GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is in the final stages of its investigation into the RM6.3 billion Penang Undersea Tunnel project.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said investigators are expected to wrap up the investigation papers within the next two to three weeks before submitting them to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for their advice on the next course of action.
Azam said investigation into the controversial project was never closed but slowed down since March due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said even his predecessor Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull had said previously that they had opened up several investigation papers into the project.
"Indeed, this case is ongoing with new evidence, new leads we received. And according to my officers involved in the probe, we are in the final stages of wrapping up investigation. It is long overdue. The issue of re-opening this case does not arise.
"Probably, within two weeks or three weeks time from now, we can submit all the (investigation) papers to the DPP," he said when met during his first official working visit to the state MACC office here this afternoon.
He was here to present Excellent Service Awards and Chief Commissioner Awards to MACC officers in the state. Penang is the eighth state he visited.
Elaborating, Azam said they would put in their suggestions to the DPP as to how the things happened and if any criminality happened in the case.
"Of course the individuals involved would be named in the investigation papers. But for now, sorry, I can't name anyone.
"But let me assure you that our investigation is fair and transparent," he added.
Asked on the new evidence, Azam said there were numerous.
"In corruption cases, we also look into the anti-money laundering angle, which is why, our investigation this time around involved more people.
"I can confirm that we had visited several state offices and interviewed many people. In the past five days, we had spoken and recorded statements of 32 witnesses.
"And, I am made to understand from investigators that they would meet another 10 to 15 witnesses next week," he added.
When asked if any VIPs would be arrested, Azam added: "I can't comment so much on how many VIPs will be arrested, but rest assured that we will be investigating fairly.
"When we make any arrest, it is because there is a need to do so. For now, I have not received any reports on further arrests.
"I leave it to my investigating officers to make the judgment call (to arrest or not to arrest anyone)," he noted.
Azam was also asked why the graftbusters were still summoning many witnesses despite claiming they were wrapping up investigation.
"This investigation is not like what you see in the movies. It is not a case where you think you can finish it up today or tomorrow. It depends on the situation and the condition of the case.
"Sometimes, when we record statements from witnesses, they would relate many other details. So, we need to go into specifics of all the details.
"So, it is not a matter where we can determine the time frame to do or complete a task easily," he said.
On Wednesday, the New Straits Times reported that the MACC had re-launched a probe into the Penang Undersea Tunnel project following new evidence which it received on the matter.
Sources close to the investigation told NST that more witnesses from the Penang government will be called in to assist in the probe.
Former Penang Port Commission chairman Jeffrey Chew was the first to be arrested on Tuesday. He is currently undergoing a four-day remand.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state government would extend its full cooperation to the MACC on the probe.
He had said that the MACC had notified the state government of its intention to interview several state leaders.
The MACC's probe, said Chow, applied only to those who had held office in the previous term.
The project had courted controversy in the past, especially over its RM305 million feasibility studies, as well as the nearly two-year delay in its completion.
The ambitious project consists of four components, including three road projects measuring 30km and an undersea tunnel, costing an estimated RM6.3 billion in total.
Last March, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin had named several Penang DAP leaders and state government officials who he alleged were involved in corrupt practices involving the project.
He claimed he was given a 200-page document by an individual at the MACC, and that he would produce extracts of its contents in several installments online to expose the matter.
The MACC had in turn lodged a police report over claims made by Raja Petra in relation to the project.
In April last year, a businessman who was implicated in a scandal related to the tunnel project was slapped with 68 money-laundering charges involving RM11.4 million.
This morning, investigators were seen in the offices of Deputy Chief Minister II Professor Dr P. Ramasamy; and state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
However, both were not questioned.